You can usually move a PC game without downloading it again, but the right method depends on the launcher that installed it. Use Steam’s built-in move command when available; for Epic Games Launcher, copy the game files and let Epic register and verify them at the new location. Microsoft Store and Xbox app options depend on Windows and app version. Keep the original files until the game launches successfully from the destination.
Before you move a game
Identify which storefront or launcher manages the game: the same folder move will not work reliably across Steam, Epic, Microsoft Store, Xbox, and other launchers. A move can require free space for copying or temporary files, plus time for the launcher to verify the installation.
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- Choose a destination drive that will remain connected and available whenever you play.
- Do not delete the original installation or backup until the launcher has finished and the game starts from its new location.
- Check the game’s save locations and cloud-save behavior separately. Moving its installation folder does not guarantee that saves, settings, recordings, or crash reports move too.
Move a Steam game to another drive
Steam’s supported method is to create or select a library on the destination drive, then use the game’s Move Install Folder command. Follow Steam’s Moving a Steam Installation and Games guidance if the labels differ in your client.
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- In Steam, add a library folder on the destination drive, or select an existing Steam library there.
- Open your Library, right-click the game, and choose Properties.
- Open the storage or installed-files area, choose Move Install Folder, select the destination library, and confirm.
- Wait for Steam to finish moving the files before launching the game.
Steam does not recommend installing Steam itself on an external hard drive because of potential performance issues. Keep that distinction in mind: moving a game to another library is not the same as installing the Steam client on an external drive.
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Move an Epic Games Launcher game
Epic’s documented method uses a backup copy, a new install registration, and file verification. It avoids downloading all game content again, but it is not simply a drag-and-drop operation. Use Epic’s instructions for moving an installed game to another directory.
- Close the game and Epic Games Launcher. Make a backup copy of the game’s installed folder.
- Uninstall the game through Epic Games Launcher. Keep the backup untouched.
- Start installing the game again and choose the desired folder on the new drive.
- When the download has begun and reached about 2–3%, cancel it.
- Copy the backup files into the newly created installation folder. Replace duplicate files when prompted.
- Resume the installation in Epic Games Launcher and allow it to verify the files. Launch the game after verification completes.
Changing the Epic Games Launcher application’s own installation path is a separate task from moving a game; Epic documents that separately here.
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Move a Microsoft Store or Xbox app game
Use Windows Installed Apps or Apps & features
For the Age of Empires title covered by its support article, Windows 11 users can search for Installed Apps, select the game, choose Move, pick a drive, and confirm. In Windows 10, the corresponding route is Settings > Apps > Apps & features. The available move option can vary by title and Windows configuration; consult the game’s own support guidance if it is absent.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAge of Empires Support, updated January 16, 2026, specifically warns that this game’s save files, recorded games, and crash reports remain on C: and must stay there to be accessible in-game. That caveat is specific to the game addressed by the article, not a rule for every Microsoft Store title. See Age of Empires’ move instructions.
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Xbox app management controls
The Xbox app for Windows has offered move and repair controls from a game’s Manage view, but Xbox Wire’s announcement describing those features was published November 18, 2021, initially for Insiders. Menu names and which games support them may vary by app version and title. If the game’s Manage view offers a move control, use it; otherwise check the game’s current publisher support instructions rather than applying Steam or Epic steps.
Xbox Wire also listed possible launch problems for Xbox app games installed on external drives at the time of that announcement. Its dated notice does not establish that every current Xbox app version or game has the same issue. See the Xbox Wire announcement for its original scope and known issues.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What if your launcher says the game is uninstalled?
Do not immediately download the game again. First check that the game folder is still present at the destination and that the launcher has the correct library or install location registered. For Steam, add or select the library containing the game files, then check the Library again. Steam’s recovery page covers games that appear uninstalled and alternate library locations: Installed games are appearing as uninstalled.
If the launcher recognizes the files but requests verification, let that process finish before launching. If the game still fails afterward, use the game publisher’s support route; avoid editing launcher manifests or registry entries based on generic instructions.
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Other launchers
Move procedures for Battle.net, EA app, Ubisoft Connect, and GOG Galaxy are not established here. Their install registration and verification steps can differ, so check the current official support instructions for the launcher that owns the game rather than transferring Steam’s or Epic’s procedure.
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